Czech Republic: Farmer’s Manual for Supplying Retailers

Consumer demand for local and regional food is growing rapidly across Europe, and the Czech Republic is no exception. Shoppers increasingly value local products as a guarantee of quality, freshness and sustainability – and they want to actively support smaller domestic producers and family farms. Retailers in Czechia are responding by opening their shelves to local farmers and helping them navigate the complex requirements of food-related legislation.

To make this process clearer and more accessible, the Czech Trade and Tourism Association (SOCR ČR), together with the Association of Private Farming of the Czech Republic (ASZ ČR), co-created the “Farmer’s Manual for Supplying Retailers”, published in May 2025.

The manual provides Czech farmers with a practical overview of what cooperation with retail entails – from logistics, packaging and quality standards to growth opportunities through private labels. More than just a guide, it symbolizes a broader commitment of Czech retailers to give family farms and small producers a stronger role in retail supply, enhancing food security, supporting climate sustainability and offering consumers an authentic alternative to large-scale production.

The manual has been designed as a living document and is continually updated with examples of successful partnerships, answers to new questions stemming from ever more complex legislative requirements, and new insights from ongoing dialogue between farmers and retailers. With this joint initiative, Czech retail and farming representatives are showing how collaboration can unlock new opportunities for local products – and may serve as an inspiration for other countries and business sectors across Europe.